Evangelist Bettye J. Banks died Aug. 27 at Newton Medical Center. The daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel (Maude Reed) Elliott, she was born in 1948 in Newton County. Mrs. Banks attended Washington Street Elementary School and R.L. Cousins High School. She enjoyed working in the clothing industry at CATO Fashions and Lee's Fashions. She joined Bethel Bara Baptist Church at an early age. After moving her membership to Springfield Baptist Church, Mrs. Banks became the founder of the Church Food Ministry. She later joined Flat Rock Baptist Church and received her ministerial license in 1997 under Pastor Annette Nash. Mrs. Banks enjoyed shopping, decorating, cooking and, most of all, ministering and being with her two grandchildren. Loving and jovial, she will be remembered for her lengthy conversations, fashionable trends and praise for the Lord.

Surviving are husband Edward F. Banks; daughters Terlisha (Reggie) Jefferies, Tamecia Banks, all of Covington; adopted daughter Deidre (Charles) Kirkland of Oxford; grandchildren Marlisha and Aaron Jefferies; goddaughter Chelsea Ellington; sisters Shirley (Johnie B.) Vaughn of Covington, Mary (Charlie) Avery of Barnesville, Judy (Otis) Hunter of Covington; brother Nathaniel (Susie Ann) Elliott of Oxford; adopted brother Terry Williams of Oxford; brothers-in-law Cleo (Adelaide) Banks, Felix (Louise) Banks; sisters-in-law Vera (Ravis) Freeman, Minnie Weaver, Lillie Pearl Banks, Martha Banks; aunt Atta Ruth Webb; devoted uncle Rufus Bigby; devoted friends Eleanor Shaw, Katherine Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Springfield Baptist Church, Conyers, with Pastor Eric W. Lee Sr. officiating. Assisting will be the Rev. Annette Nash and the Rev. H.K. Benton. Interment will follow at Lawnwood Memorial park.